Fire Risk Assessment

A Fire Risk Assessment is defined as: 'a considered examination with regards to fire hazards in the workplace which could cause harm to people. Once this is established you can then assess if you have taken suitable precautions or if more precautions are necessary to prevent harm.

The principle of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) and the Risk Assessment approach is goal based and flexible to employers fire safety needs. It is the employer that generates risk in the workplace, therefore to ensure the safety of employees, the employer must adhere to the following steps:

1. Identify the fire hazards in the workplace

• sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen.
  
  

2. Identify the people at risk

• people in and around the premises.
• people who are especially at risk.
  
  

3. Evaluate, remove or reduce the hazards and protect people from risk

• evaluate risks of fire starting.
• evaluate risks to people.
• remove or reduce fire hazards.
• remove or reduce risks to people.
• protect people by providing fire precautions.
  
  

4. Record, plan, inform, instruct and train employees

• record the significant findings of the risk assessment and the actions taken.
• co-operate with other responsible persons in shared premises.
• prepare emergency plans.
• inform and instruct relevant people.
• provide training for employees.
  
  

5. Review the Fire Risk Assessment regularly and make changes where necessary

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WHERE DOES THE RRFSO APPLY?

The RRFSO applies to virtually all premises and covers most types of buildings, structures and open spaces where people are employed or people gather together, such as:

• Offices and shops.
• Factories and warehouses.
• Premises that provide sleeping accommodation.
• Hotels and hostels.
• Residential care premises.
• Educational premises, universities, colleges and schools.
• Places of public assembly.
• Theatres, cinemas and similar premises.
• Open air events and venues.
• Healthcare premises.
• Transport premises and facilities.
• Animal premises and stables.
• Community halls and premises.
• Places of worship.
• Shared areas of premises that several households live in.
• Public houses, restaurants, cafes and clubs.
• Sports arenas.
• Tents and marquees.

The RRFSO does not apply to private single dwellings or individual flats in a block of flats or house.